JANE DIVER

community, parents and students she worked with – and that’s something that’s important to me in my career too - the community.

A memory from my childhood which stays with me, is two young teachers visiting my grandparents’ house and explaining to me what an inspirational teacher my grandmother was and what a difference she had made to their teaching careers and the lives of many children. From that moment, I knew that teaching was for me.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

For me International Women’s Day is a celebration of females who have overcome adversity in many forms, breaking down barriers and achieving their potential to be the best they can be. Success for one woman looks very different to that of another - it is the celebration of this in its many guises.

Which women inspire you and why?

My family is full of strong women who I am privileged to be surrounded by. Each one has inspired me in some way or another in how they have navigated the world and its challenges. Whether it is the extreme experiences of living through the war, dealing with terminal illness, the every day challenges of childhood squabbles, running a family or achieving an education.

What made you want to become a teacher/work in schools?

I’ve always wanted to be a teacher –it’s in the family. When I was a child, my grandmother was the Head of Mathematics at a large grammar school in Lanarkshire, Scotland. She had a big influence on me and would tell me lots of stories about the teaching profession. She was very well regarded by the

How do you influence your colleagues, students and the school community?

For me, the most important values I want to see in myself and others that I work with are integrity and a sense of empathy, compassion and commitment for children. I aim to treat others in a manner that I wish to be treated myself. I appoint colleagues that genuinely care about the children they work for and with. This way, we all dedicate ourselves to the same goal - getting the very best for the children in our care.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Success can take many forms. There isn’t one path or one outcome that defines a successful and happy person. Failure and adversity can enable us to grow, it’s part of a journey towards success if reflected upon correctly.

Which women inspire you and why?

I am inspired by women who are brave and bold, even when faced with great adversity. As part of my role I have met some remarkably courageous women, who have moved to the UK from overseas, who work long night shifts to support their families, study to achieve their career goals, and support each other through the hardest of times. I have also met women that have stood up against domestic abuse, struggled with and overcome substance misuse and asked for support when times are tough. They are my inspiration because they are testament to how strong women are and what we can achieve when we work hard and break down every barrier we are faced with.

What made you want to work in schools?

My eldest child is on the Autistic Spectrum and I have experienced first hand how important it is for schools to support families in their greatest times of need. This gave me the motivation to work within schools so I could strive to do my best to ensure that every parent and child feels supported and never alone.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It means an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women everywhere, and to recognise the progress made in decreasing discrimination and increasing inclusivity. For me, it is also a reminder of how essential it is to empower the young women in our schools to not see their gender as a barrier, but as a strength and a super power!

What is your proudest achievement while working in schools?

I am incredibly proud of the firm connections I have made with the diverse Cobholm community. To see our families reaching out and feeling as though they